|
For week ending July 18
There were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending July 18, 2010. Continued sunshine and mostly dry conditions were reported again last week, with some areas needing additional moisture to keep soils moist and crop development on schedule. Some severe weather was reported around the state. Field pests are a problem in parts of the state as the grasshopper, weevil, and caterpillars continue to take a toll on crops. Major farm activities include spraying crops, harvesting hay and winter wheat. This report was based on information from county extension educators, Farm Service Agency county directors, and other reporters across the state.
WEATHER INFORMATION
Warm temperatures were pervasive across the state over the late week with temperatures in many locations crossing the 100° F mark. Overall temperatures for the week were warmer than average over the state except for the far west. Most locations were 1-3° F above average. Pierre had the high for the week at 106° F; Spearfish, Custer, and Hot Springs had the low temperature at 48° F. Little precipitation fell for the week except for a very few isolated storms. Brookings reported the high total at 1.98 inches. All other stations were well below an inch. Ten stations reported no precipitation. The recent warmer weather and lack of precipitation has induced some short-term dryness. Several stations indicate 1- 2 inches below average for the growing season currently.
SOIL CONDITION
Topsoil moisture was rated 84 percent adequate to surplus for last week, 7 percentage points behind the previous week, but 34 percentage points above the five-year average. Subsoil moisture was 89 percent adequate to surplus, 17 percentage points above the previous year.
FIELD CROPS REPORT
Another great week of weather promoted crop development last week. Severe storms on Saturday, caused damage to crops in a few counties. Winter wheat harvest is in full swing, with 33 percent harvested. This is ahead of last year when only 4 percent was harvested but behind the five-year average of 39 percent. Spring wheat is also making good progress as 11 percent is ripe but no harvesting has started yet. The average corn height is 57 inches, which increased 11 inches from the previous week and 1 inch above the five-year average. Soybeans are developing on average pace as 52 percent are blooming, just behind the 56 percent for the five-year average.
|
